Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss. When your scalp is itchy, it makes you feel uncomfortable and can be super embarrassing in front of others. The good news is that itchy scalp is not likely to cause hair loss directly. The bad news is that some skin conditions that cause itchy scalp may affect your hair and contribute to temporary and in some cases, permanent hair loss. Through this article, we also make you aware of the real cause of Male Pattern Baldness.

Causes of Itchy Scalp

Dandruff

A variety of different skin conditions can cause dandruff – small flakes of skin that can break off from your scalp and land on your shoulders and clothing. A more severe form of dandruff involves inflammation of the skin, also known as seborrheic dermatitis. Most of the time, dandruff can be treated using an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Use of harsh hair care products

An itchy, dry, and flaky scalp may require you to rinse your hair more thoroughly to remove shampoo from your hair. Too much shampoo left on the scalp can be annoying. If you have a rash and itchy scalp, you may have allergic contact dermatitis. It’s usually caused by an ingredient in hair dye called p-phenylenediamine (PPD). Allergic reactions may occur with certain ingredients in shampoos, conditioners, or other products that come into contact with the scalp. Some fragrances in certain shampoos can also be a culprit. If this is the case, you may benefit from switching to a milder shampoo that doesn’t contain irritating ingredient.

Hives

The Hives are red, swollen, very itchy bumps that can form anywhere on the skin, including the scalp. Hives tend to heal within a few days, but sometimes they recur. If it recurs within six weeks, it becomes a chronic (persistent) condition.

Head lice

An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of head lice. If you suspect lice are causing itching, have someone examine your scalp and hair for signs of these little bugs.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by a small insect called the human itch mite. If these mites get on your scalp, you will experience an itchy scalp. Itching is the most common symptom of scabies. Its intensity can even keep you awake at night.

Ringworm can lead to scarring or permanent hair loss

Let’s first get over a myth. Worms do not cause ringworms! This is a fungal infection leading to a red and intensely itchy, circular rash (like a ring) on the scalp. You may come into contact with these fungi from other people or in certain environments, such as shared locker rooms or bathrooms. Severe inflammation in the area of ​​the rash can lead to scarring or permanent hair loss. If you are suffering from ringworms, contact a specialist, who may prescribe oral antifungal medication and/ or suggest a shampoo to relieve itching.

Scalp psoriasis can cause temporary hair loss

About 50% of people with plaque psoriasis experience scalp inflammation at some point. If you have psoriasis on your scalp, you may experience red patches, silvery white scales, scaling, and dry scalp. Psoriasis is a type of autoimmune disease in which your skin produces new cells at a faster rate than normal. Although psoriasis doesn’t cause hair loss, scratching your head often or pulling at areas of skin that are affected may cause hair shedding/ temporary hair loss. If you have psoriasis, it’s important to talk to a specialist. They may suggest using a medicated shampoo, topical treatment or a systemic medication to treat your symptoms and make your psoriasis more manageable.

Atopic Dermatitis

A type of eczema called Atopic Dermatitis (AD) affects the scalp. When this happens, your scalp may appear scaly and red. Some people even complain of scalp infections and itching.

Nerve problems

A severely itchy scalp without a rash or other signs of a skin reaction may be a symptom of a nerve problem. Neuropathy is a problem with the nervous system caused by nerve damage, disease, or abnormal function.

Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer on the scalp. It causes raised red spots and may be itchy. While skin cancer won’t affect your hair, it’s important that you talk to a specialist if you notice any flash-colored, red or brown spots or bumps on your scalp, especially if they don’t go away over time.

Male Pattern Baldness and Scalp Itching

Although a variety of things can cause you to lose hair, the most common cause of hair loss in men is Male Pattern Baldness, or Androgenetic Alopecia.

Unlike psoriasis, fungal infections and other scalp conditions, Male Pattern Baldness generally doesn’t cause your scalp to itch or feel uncomfortable. Instead, it causes slow, gradual hair loss that takes place over the course of years or decades, usually without any other symptoms. If you’re concerned about Male Pattern Baldness, it’s best to look for real signs of balding, such as a change in your hairline, noticeable thinning or excessive hair shedding.

Male Pattern Baldness isn’t caused by irritation, scratching or rash. Instead, it develops due to a combination of genetic factors and the effects of a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone, or popularly called DHT, on your hair follicles. We’ve discussed the relationship between genetics and hair loss in more detail in our article, “What role does genetics play in hair loss”.

After reading this article, we hope you can learn more about the reasons that make your scalp itchy every day so that you can understand the reasons. For more information on an itchy scalp, hair loss and best treatments, visit or simply call us at Evolved Clinics.